Regenerative power capture system for endless track escalators and moving walkways

ABSTRACT

Power is recovered from an escalator or a moving walkway as the step orbits an endless track on rollers. A generator is connected to a roller orbiting the track. A battery backup is provided. The power is used for emergency lighting on the step, and for data transmission. Advertising and messages are displayed on a dynamic video screen mounted on the step. The apparatus is mostly contained within the escalator step. Information is communicated wirelessly to a remotely located central control station and back to the step, so as to display information in real time and to update advertising while the escalator is in operation. The central control station also monitors performance parameters. The visual display can include LED lighting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/138,888, filedApr. 26, 2016, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.14/289,774, filed May 29, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,654, the entirecontents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed technologies are directed to an apparatus andmethod for harnessing the drive power of escalators for auxiliary uses,and more specifically, for regeneratively capturing some of the drivepower of escalators and moving walkways to power communications, safetydisplays, and advertising on board the steps as the escalator isoperating.

BACKGROUND

An escalator is an inherently dangerous machine. In the United Statesalone, approximately 12,000 accidents occur annually. Many of theseincidents could be avoided with improved safety displays and warnings.

An escalator is also an ideal venue for advertising to riders who aretemporarily unoccupied and undistracted by store displays. The message,whether for safety or for marketing, must be easily viewable by anobserver on the escalator or the floor.

An escalator must be shut down periodically for preventive maintenance.If a component fails during operation, the machine must be stopped,which is an inconvenience. In a busy retail center, the escalator wouldbe unavailable to elderly and handicapped people. There may also besafety and liability implications.

Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus capable of displayingindicia and video messages on a moving escalator or walkway.

There is a further need for an apparatus of the type described, and thatcan provide monitoring of important technical parameters to warn ofimpending failure.

There is a yet further need for an apparatus of the type described, andthat can recover regenerative power from the moving steps for themessages and monitoring.

The present invention is directed toward fulfilling the above-mentionedneeds, as well as other needs, and overcoming various disadvantagesknown in the art.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a regenerative power capture system is provided forendless track escalators and moving walkways. The system comprises astep having a tread extending generally horizontally from a front edgeto an opposite rear edge. The step extends between opposite right andleft ends. The step is adapted for orbital mounting on the track. Aplurality of rollers is attached to the step. The rollers are mountedfor movement on the track, and are for supporting the step on the track.

A step control is disposed on the step, for processing data. A powersupply is mounted on the step and operatively electrically connected tothe step control, for supplying electrical power.

A central control is located remotely from the step, for programmingdata to be transferred. A step communicator is operatively electricallyconnected to the step control for data transfer. A central communicatoris operatively electrically connected to the central control for datatransfer with the step communicator.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed for regeneratively capturingpower for endless track escalators and moving walkways. The escalatorsand moving walkways have a plurality of steps mounted for orbital motionon the track. Each step has a tread, and a plurality of rollers. Themethod comprises disposing a step control on each step, for processingdata. Electrical power is supplied operatively electrically to the stepcontrol with a power supply.

A central control is located remotely from the step. The central controlis used for programming data. A step communicator is connectedoperatively electrically to the step control. A central communicator isconnected operatively electrically to the central control. Data istransferred between the central communicator and the step communicator.

These and other aspects and advantages of the disclosed technologieswill become apparent from the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary step for aregenerative power capture system constructed in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom rear perspective view of the regenerative powercapture system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded top front perspective view of the regenerativepower capture system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom rear perspective view of the regenerativepower capture system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a tread for the regenerative power capturesystem of FIG. 1, showing an LED array displaying a message.

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the tread of FIG. 5, showing avideo screen displaying a message

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the tread of FIG. 5, showing the LED arraydisplaying another message.

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the tread of FIG. 7, showing thevideo screen displaying another message.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of the step control for theregenerative power capture system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the central control for theregenerative power capture system of FIG. 1.

It should be noted that the drawings herein are not to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Describing now in further detail these exemplary embodiments withreference to the Figures as described above, a regenerative powercapture system 20 is for use in connection with endless track escalatorsand moving walkways. The system 20 comprises a plurality of steps, eachstep 22 having a tread 24 extending generally horizontally from a frontedge 26 to an opposite rear edge 28. The step 22 extends betweenopposite right 30 and left 32 ends. In the case of an escalator, thestep 22 has a riser 34 extending upward from a lower edge 36 to anopposite upper edge 38. The riser 34 extends between opposite right 35and left 37 ends. The tread rear 28 is adjacent the riser upper edge 38.The step 22 is adapted for orbital mounting on the track (not shown). Inthe case of a moving walkway, the step has no riser but is structurallysimilar, and is mounted for orbital motion on a track.

A plurality of rollers 40 is rotatably attached to the plurality ofsteps 22 and mounted for rolling movement on the track. The rollers 40are for supporting the step 22 on the track. Specifically, a rightleading roller 42 and a left leading roller 44 are mounted for rotationadjacent the tread front edge right end 30 and left end 32,respectively. Similarly, a right trailing roller 46 and a left trailingroller 48 are mounted for rotation adjacent the riser lower edge rightend 35 and left end 37, respectively. Each roller 40 has typically twobearings for mounting the roller rotatably to the step. The bearings arenot shown because they are internally mounted, a configuration known tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

A step control 50 is disposed on at least one of the plurality of steps22 for processing data. The step control 50 is inside the housing 50.Details of the circuitry for the step control 50 are not shown, but arewell known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The step control 50includes a central processor unit 50A and a memory 50B inside thehousing 50. Details of the circuitry for the central processor unit 50Aand memory 50B are not shown, but are well known to those of ordinaryskill in the art. A step communicator 52 inside the housing 50 isoperatively electrically connected to the step control 50 for datatransfer. Details of the circuitry for the step communicator 52 are notshown, but are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thestep communicator 52 is wireless, and typically is an RF transceiver. Anantenna 53 is provided for the step communicator 52. Alternate means forcommunicating data can be employed, such as for example infrared ormicrowave.

A power supply 54 is mounted on at least one of the plurality of steps22 for supplying electrical power. The power supply 54 has at least oneelectrical generator 56 operatively connected to at least one of therollers 40. The generator 56 generates electrical power as the step 22orbits the track. The generator 56 is typically integral with the roller40. Preferably, a first generator 56A is integral with a first roller,for example left leading roller 44, and a second generator 56B isintegral with a second roller, for example right leading roller 42.Alternatively, the generator 56 can be external to the roller 40 andconnected by shaft, belt, gears, or other means (not shown).

Another configuration would be to connect two collinear rollers to onegenerator. Yet another configuration would be to mount a fifth rollerrotatably attached to the step 22 and mounted for rolling movement onthe track. The fifth roller (not shown) would be dedicated to thegenerator. Still another configuration would be to connect several stepstogether with flexible wiring. Only one step need be equipped with agenerator to power all the connected steps. The generator 56 has aconnection 56C shown in FIG. 2. Wiring is not shown in the drawingFigures, but is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The power supply 54 has a power converter 54B operatively electricallyconnected to the generator 56 for regulating power. The power supply 54has a rechargeable battery 54A operatively electrically connected to thepower converter 54B. The battery 54A is for backup power in the event ofpower failure, such as a generator malfunction. In this application,“operatively electrically connected,” means either hard-wired orwireless. Alternatively, the power supply 54 can include a generator 56but no battery.

A central control 58 is located remotely from the step 22, as forexample in a room distant from the escalator. The central control 58 isfor programming data to be transferred to and received from the stepcontrol 50. The central control 58 includes a central processor unit 60,a memory 62, an interface 64 which is typically a keyboard and a mouseand a monitor, and a data input unit 66. The data input unit 66 can bean optical drive for reading a DVD, or it can be a live feed from atelevision camera. The data input unit 66 can be any device capable ofconveying data to the central control 58. A central communicator 68 isoperatively electrically connected to the central control 58 and is usedfor data transfer with the step communicator 52. The centralcommunicator 68 is wireless, and typically is an RF transceiver.

A visual display 70 is provided, and includes a plurality of LEDs 72disposed in an LED array on the step 22 and connected to the stepcontrol 50. The LEDs 72 are typically for displaying data and forsafety. The LEDs 72 can also be used for purely aesthetic display, withno particular message. The data can include text spelled out, or otherimages, in a pattern of LED lamps. The text can convey messagesregarding sales events, advertising, store location, publicpresentations, or other information. Safety uses include emergencyinstructions in the event of building power failure, or fire, and caninform observers of exit locations. Safety uses can also includeilluminating the boundary of the escalator and the edges of the steptread, so that riders are less likely to trip.

In the case of an escalator, a visual display 70 can also include adigital video screen 74 mounted on the step 22 and juxtaposed with theriser 34 behind a transparent and rugged protective cover 76. Thedigital video screen 74 is connected to the step control 50 fordisplaying of data. Digital video data can include advertising witheither static displays or dynamic motion picture commercials. Video datacan also include messages or aesthetic presentations. Video data can bepresented from a recorded source such as a DVD or tape recording fedinto the central control data input unit 66. The recorded presentationcan be programmed to repeat, or to switch to another recording. Videodata can be from a live feed, such as a television camera (not shown)covering a live demonstration of cooking, fashion, sports, news, and thelike.

Observers who are not riding the escalator, but are standing or walkingon the floor near the lower landing will be able to observe the visualdisplay 70. The same message can be displayed on every step.Alternatively, a different message can be displayed on every step.Another alternative is to spread a single message over several steps,for example three steps. In this embodiment, in a first mode, themessage can move with the steps. In a second mode, the message cancontinuously transfer to the next upper or lower step as the steps move,so that the message appears to be generally stationary as the steps movedownward or upward, respectively.

In the case of a moving walkway, a visual display 70 can also include adigital video screen mounted on the step 22 and juxtaposed with thetread 24 behind a transparent and rugged protective cover (not shown).As described above, the digital video screen is connected to the stepcontrol 50 for displaying of data. The visual display in this case wouldmost likely not be used for advertising, but for safety illumination orfor aesthetic displays.

The housing 50, which contains the step control 50 and step communicator52, is attached to the front of mounting plate 55. The digital videoscreen 74 is attached to the rear of mounting plate 55, facing the riser34.

Performance parameters can be fed back to the central control 58 to bemonitored. Parameters of the step control can include CPU activity andmemory use. The visual display 70 can be monitored for color, contrast,pixel failure, and many other graphic parameters. The power converter54B, the battery 54A, and the generator 56 can be monitored for voltage,current, battery charge, and failure of any components. All performanceparameters are constantly monitored. Any problem detected is telemeteredback to the central control 58 and displayed.

The rollers 40 typically have two bearings (not shown) mountedinternally. The function of the bearings for the rollers can also bemonitored. Vibration sensors 78 mounted on the step 22 adjacent eachbearing, as shown in FIG. 2, can detect abnormal vibrations that presagea bearing failure. Such a failure can result in a shutdown and expensiverepair, and possibly can have safety implications for the riders. Onepossible mode would be to monitor each bearing for a predetermined timeperiod, for example, 15 seconds. Each roller would then be checked onceper minute. Each step would telemeter data on a separate channel. Thebearings will exhibit a characteristic “signature” vibration offrequency, amplitude, and other parameters of normal operation. Themonitored readings will be compared to normal values, and any deviationwill suggest an impending failure. Corrective maintenance can then becarried out with little or no disruption of service.

Escalators typically utilize a comb (not shown) at the entrance and exitplatforms. The comb is a serrated strip having projecting fingers thatengage the grooves in the step. The step 22 of the invention includes acomb sensor 80 operatively electrically connected to the step control50. The comb sensor 80 will detect operating conditions of a comb, suchas for example, a shoelace caught in the fingers. The comb sensor 80will detect malfunction of a comb, such as for example a broken fingeror debris stuck between fingers. The comb sensor 80 typically willutilize a linear array of photo sensitive detectors 80 disposed betweengrooves underneath the front edge of each step. The detectors 80 respondto ambient light directed downward. The detector circuitry is timed tosense the light or absence of light as the detector array is juxtaposedwith each comb. The combs are constantly monitored. Any problem detectedis telemetered back to the central control and displayed. The combsensor 80 can employ alternative sensors, for example, proximitysensors.

A vibrating transducer 82 can be attached to the underside of the step22. The transducer is adapted for generating an acoustic signal. In onemode, the transducer 82 will vibrate the step 22 when approaching alanding platform to warn of the approaching landing. The vibration willtravel through the rider's feet. This safety feature will warn riders toanticipate stepping off. In another mode, the transducer 82 willreproduce sound to accompany the video display. Typically, the soundfrom a particular step will be directed upward to be heard by the rideron that step.

A method is disclosed for regeneratively capturing power for endlesstrack escalators and moving walkways. A plurality of steps 22 is mountedfor orbital motion on the track. Each step 22 has a tread 24 and aplurality of rollers 40. The method comprises disposing a step control50 on at least one of the plurality of steps, for processing data.Electrical power is supplied operatively electrically to the stepcontrol with a power supply 54. A step communicator 52 is operativelyelectrically connected to the step control 50.

A central control 58 is located remotely from the step 22, and is usedto program data. A central communicator 68 is operatively electricallyconnected to the central control 58. Data is transferred between thecentral communicator 68 and the step communicator 52.

The method further comprises connecting an electrical generator 56operatively to at least one of the rollers 40. Electrical power isgenerated with the generator 56 as the step orbits the track. A powerconverter 54B is operatively electrically connected to the generator 56and the step control 50. Power is regulated with the power converter54B. A battery 54A is operatively electrically connected to the powerconverter 54B for backing up power in the event of power failure. Thegenerator 56 is integrated with the roller 40.

The step control 50 is provided with a central processor unit 50A and amemory 50B. The central control 58 is provided with a central processorunit 60, a memory 62, an interface 64, and a data input unit 66. Data istransferred wirelessly between the central communicator 68 and the stepcommunicator 52. The central communicator 68 uses an RF signal fortransmitting and receiving. The step communicator 52 also uses an RFsignal for transmitting and receiving. Parameters of the step control50; the power converter 54B; the battery 54A; and the generator 56 aremonitored with the central control 58.

The method further comprises extending a riser 34 upward from a loweredge 36 of the step to an opposite upper edge 38. A visual display 70including a digital video screen 74 is juxtaposed with the riser 34. Thevisual display 70 is operatively electrically connected to the stepcontrol 50 for displaying data.

Another aspect of the visual display 70 includes arraying a plurality ofLEDs 72 on the step in an LED array. The LED array is operativelyelectrically connected to the step control. The LED array is fordisplaying data and safety lighting.

A comb sensor 80 is connected operatively electrically to the stepcontrol 50. The comb sensor 80 is used for detecting malfunction of acomb.

The method further comprises encoding the data so as to preclude hackinginto the step control 50 and the central control 58.

A plurality of bearings is provided for mounting the rollers to thestep. Vibration sensors 78 are provided adjacent each bearing. Thevibration sensors 78 are connected to the step control 50. Bearingvibrations are detected with the vibration sensors. Vibration data iscommunicated to the central control, so as to predict a bearing failure.

A transducer 82 is mounted to the step 22. The transducer 82 is adaptedfor generating an acoustic signal. The transducer 82 vibrates the step22 when approaching a landing, so as to warn riders of the approachinglanding. The transducer 82 can also be used to reproduce sound toaccompany the video display.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Variouspresently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications,variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by thoseskilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A regenerative power capture system for endlesstrack escalators and moving walkways, the system comprising: a stephaving a tread extending generally horizontally from a front edge to anopposite rear edge, the step extending between opposite right and leftends, the step being adapted for orbital mounting on an endless track; aplurality of rollers attached to the step and adapted for rollingmovement on the track; a step control connected to the step, forprocessing data; a power supply connected to the step and operativelyelectrically connected to the step control, for supplying electricalpower; and an acoustic transducer attached to the step and adapted forgenerating an acoustic signal, the acoustic transducer being operativelyelectrically connected to the step control for receiving acoustic signalcommands.
 2. The regenerative power capture system of claim 1, whereinthe power supply further comprises: an electrical generator operativelyconnected to at least one of the rollers, for generating electricalpower as the step orbits the track; a power converter operativelyelectrically connected to the generator for regulating electrical power;and a battery operatively electrically connected to the power converterfor backup electrical power in the event of power failure, and whereinthe generator is integral with the roller.
 3. The regenerative powercapture system of claim 1, further comprising: a visual displayincluding a plurality of LEDs disposed in an LED array connected to thestep and operatively electrically connected to the step control andreceiving commands from the step control; wherein the visual display isselected from the group consisting of data display, safety display, andaesthetic display.
 4. The regenerative power capture system of claim 1,further comprising: an electrical generator operatively connected to atleast one of the rollers, for generating electrical power as the steporbits the track; a power converter operatively electrically connectedto the generator for regulating electrical power; a battery operativelyelectrically connected to the power converter for backup electricalpower in the event of power failure; a visual display connected to thestep for displaying data; a central control located remotely from thestep, the central control being adapted for exchanging data with thestep control, the central control having a central processor unit, amemory, an interface, and a data input unit, the central control beingadapted to monitor parameters of the step control, and the visualdisplay, and the power converter, and the battery, and the generator,the central control being adapted for programming data to be transferredto the step control; the step control includes a central processor unitand a memory; a step communicator operatively electrically connected tothe step control for data transfer, the step communicator being awireless transceiver; and a central communicator operativelyelectrically connected to the central control for data transfer with thestep communicator, the central communicator being a wirelesstransceiver.
 5. The regenerative power capture system of claim 4,wherein the visual display further comprises a digital video screenconnected to the step for displaying data and operatively electricallyconnected to the step control and receiving commands from the stepcontrol.
 6. The regenerative power capture system of claim 4, furthercomprising: the step includes a riser extending upward from a lower edgeto an opposite upper edge, and the tread extends generally horizontallyfrom a front edge to an opposite rear edge at the riser upper edge; andthe visual display includes a digital video screen juxtaposed with theriser and operatively electrically connected to the step control forreceiving commands from the step control; wherein the visual display isselected from the group consisting of data display, safety display, andaesthetic display.
 7. The regenerative power capture system of claim 4,further comprising: a plurality of bearings for mounting the rollers tothe step; and vibration sensors adjacent each bearing for detectingvibrations so as to predict a bearing failure, the vibration sensorsbeing operatively electrically connected to the step control forcommunicating hearing vibration data to the central control.
 8. Theregenerative power capture system of claim 4, further comprising a combsensor connected to the step for detecting operating conditions of acomb, the comb sensor being operatively electrically connected to thestep control for communicating comb data to the central control.
 9. Aregenerative power capture system for endless track escalators andmoving walkways, the system comprising: a step having a tread, the stepbeing adapted for orbital mounting on an endless track; a visual displayconnected to the step for displaying data; a step control connected tothe step, the step control having a central processor unit and a memoryfor processing data, the step control being adapted for sending data tothe visual display; a power supply connected to the step and operativelyelectrically connected to the step control, for supplying electricalpower; and an acoustic transducer attached to the step and adapted forgenerating an acoustic signal, the acoustic transducer being operativelyelectrically connected to the step control for receiving acoustic signalcommands.
 10. The regenerative power capture system of claim 9, furthercomprising: a central control located remotely from the step, thecentral control being adapted for exchanging data with the step controlthe central control having a central processor unit a memory, aninterface, and a data input unit, the central control being adapted tomonitor parameters of the step control, and the visual display, andpower supply, the central control being adapted for programming data tobe transferred to the step control; a step communicator operativelyelectrically connected to the step control for data transfer, the stepcommunicator being a wireless transceiver; a central communicatoroperatively electrically connected to the central control for datatransfer with the step communicator, the central communicator being awireless transceiver; and the visual display includes a plurality ofLEDs disposed in an LED array connected to the step and operativelyelectrically connected to the step control and receiving commands fromthe step control; wherein the visual display is selected from the groupconsisting of data display, safety display, and aesthetic display. 11.The regenerative power capture system of claim 9, further comprising: acentral control located remotely from the step, the central controlbeing adapted for exchanging data with the step control, the centralcontrol having a central processor unit, a memory, an interface, and adata input unit, the central control being adapted to monitor parametersof the step control, and the visual display, and power supply, thecentral control being adapted for programming data to be transferred tothe step control; a step communicator operatively electrically connectedto the step control for data transfer, the step communicator being awireless transceiver; a central communicator operatively electricallyconnected to the central control for data transfer with the stepcommunicator, the central communicator being a wireless transceiver; thestep includes a riser extending upward from a lower edge to an oppositeupper edge, and the tread extends generally horizontally from a frontedge to an opposite rear edge at the riser upper edge; and the visualdisplay includes a digital video screen juxtaposed with the riser andoperatively electrically connected to the step control for receivingcommands from the e control; wherein the visual display is selected fromthe group consisting of data display, safety display, and aestheticdisplay.
 12. The regenerative power capture system of claim 9, furthercomprising: a central control located remotely from the step, thecentral control being adapted for exchanging data with the step control,the central control having a central processor unit, a memory, aninterface, and a data input unit, the central control being adapted tomonitor parameters of the step control, and the visual display, andpower supply, the central control being adapted for programming data tobe transferred to the step control; a step communicator operativelyelectrically connected to the step control for data transfer, the stepcommunicator being a wireless transceiver; a central communicatoroperatively electrically connected to the central control for datatransfer with the step communicator, the central communicator being awireless transceiver; a plurality of bearings for mounting the rollersto the step; and vibration sensors adjacent each bearing for detectingvibrations so as to predict a bearing failure, the vibration sensorsbeing operatively electrically connected to the step control forcommunicating bearing vibration data to the central control.
 13. Theregenerative power capture system of claim 9, further comprising: acentral control located remotely from the step, the central controlbeing adapted for exchanging data with the step control the centralcontrol having a central processor unit a memory, an interface, and adata input unit, the central control being adapted to monitor parametersof the step control, and the visual display, and power supply, thecentral control being adapted for programming data to be transferred tothe step control; a step communicator operatively electrically connectedto the step control for data transfer, the step communicator being awireless transceiver; and a central communicator operativelyelectrically connected to the central control for data transfer with thestep communicator, the central communicator being a wirelesstransceiver, wherein the step further comprises a comb sensor connectedto the step and operatively electrically connected to the step controlfor detecting operating conditions of a comb.
 14. A method forregeneratively capturing power for endless track escalators and movingwalkways having a plurality of steps mounted for orbital motion on atrack, each step having a tread, each step having a plurality ofrollers, the method comprising: connecting a step control to each step,for processing data; supplying electrical power operatively electricallyto the step control with a power supply; locating a central controlremotely from the step, and programming data with the central control;connecting a step communicator operatively electrically to the stepcontrol; connecting an acoustic transducer operatively electrically tothe step control; and connecting a central communicator operativelyelectrically to the central control and transferring data between thecentral communicator and the step communicator.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the supplying electrical power operatively electrically tothe step control with a power supply further comprises: connecting anelectrical generator operatively to at least one of the rollers;generating electrical power with the generator as the step orbits thetrack; connecting a power converter operatively electrically to thegenerator and the step control; regulating power with the powerconverter; and connecting a battery operatively electrically to thepower converter for backing up power in the event of power failure. 16.The method of claim 15, further comprising integrating the generatorwith the roller.